Bell : Police to Buy Radios With Cash Seized in Drug Raids

The Bell Police Department this week received $553,909 from the U.S. Customs Service as part of $9 million seized in joint raids of narcotics and money-laundering operations in 1987.

According to customs spokesman John Miller, Bell police were involved in two separate operations in 1987 that resulted in a total seizure of $733,964 in cash, 260 kilos of cocaine and several automobiles. Miller said all of the money and drugs seized were believed to be destined for Colombian drug cartels.

Bell Police Chief Manuel Ortega said part of the money, which must be used in drug-related operations, will be spent on car radios.

The Bell Police Department last week also participated in the seizure of $2.75 million in cash found stuffed in six garbage bags in a Bell Gardens apartment. According to the Customs Service, the cash was destined for a money-laundering operation.